Fracas scrambles home in trial

Fracas maintained his unbeaten record when just getting the better of Alayan in an exciting finish to the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial at Leopardstown today.

David Wachman’s son of In The Wings hit the front heading towards the final furlong but had to battle tooth and nail to beat John Oxx’s runner.

Aidan O’Brien’s Grand Central was sent off the well-backed 6-4 favourite but was squeezed for room in the closing stages and after being switched to the centre of the track by Kieren Fallon, came home third.

Ballydoyle second string Down Mexico Way was soon out in front after the five runners left the stalls in the Group Two contest, with Alayan always close up under Mick Kinane.

Fallon settled Grand Central a further length back alongside Fracas, with Dermot Weld’s Bobs Pride bringing up the rear.

It was only in the final two furlongs that the race began in earnest, with Fracas (2-1 second favourite) and Alayan pulling clear, and although the door was closed on Grand Central, he failed to reel in the leaders when he saw daylight in the closing stages.

A stewards’ inquiry was called, but the placings remained unaltered.

Wachman said: ``That was a good effort. It was only his third run and he is a still a bit green, but his guts got him there.

“I’ll have to talk to the owner, Joe Joyce, but he is entered in a number of Derbys and is entitled to run in one, or maybe two.”

Winning jockey Jamie Spencer added: “He is a good, tough horse.”